Research-Based Resources to Support Early Literacy

REL Northwest developed two products that list readily accessible resources for caregivers, practitioners, and policymakers to use to support early literacy.

The resources to support children ages 0-3 are organized into two parts: (1) effective and promising programs and (2) research-based practices. The broad categories for effective and promising programs include the following:

• Early intervention services
• Home visiting programs
• Early Head Start
• Comprehensive screening and connection programs

The broad categories for research-based practices include the following:

• Background knowledge
• Oral language and vocabulary
• Book knowledge and print concepts
• Alphabet knowledge and early writing
• Phonological awareness

The resources to support children in preschool through grade 3 are organized into five broad categories:

• The importance of supporting early literacy development
• System alignment
• Teacher instructional practice
• Educator professional learning
• Supporting literacy outside of school

REL Northwest synthesized this information in response to a request within its region. The Children's Institute, a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, strives to leverage research, practice, policy, and advocacy to shift systems toward justice for families so that all of Oregon's children, prenatal to grade 5, have access to opportunities. One current focus is to bolster early literacy within early childhood settings. The Children's Institute asked the REL what accessible, evidence-based resources might be available to help with their work.